How long will treatment last?

This depends on what you are coming in for. Many clients are in treatment between eight and twelve sessions. Together we will draft a plan for your treatment so that you understand the road map and can change it at any time. If you want to come in for a certain number of sessions, we can work with you to select goals that would be realistic within that time frame. And , of course, you can always stop treatment at any time.

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What’s the difference between “Psychotherapy”, “Therapy”, and “Counseling”?

“Therapy” is short for “Psychotherapy.” For many people, the use of the terms counseling and therapy is a matter of preference. Some say that the difference is that a therapist has more training, can treat more severe issues, and may offer longer term and more in-depth treatment. A counselor’s focus may be on specific issues and have a shorter term, more targeted approach. At Birchwood Counseling, there is significant overlap between these two treatment approaches. We have helped clients treat severe issues swiftly, but we also have a very targeted approach in all treatment we provide. we believe that you, the client, gets to decide which term you feel most comfortable with because ultimately it is your treatment.

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What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve a client’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. AAT can incorporate a number of different animals including dogs, horses, guinea pigs, and even reptiles. In AAT a trained mental health professional has become a dedicated team member with an animal that has been selectively picked for this therapy. Animals are picked based on temperament, skill, reaction response, and if the animal enjoys to work in a therapeutic setting with clients.